- country:Ireland
- style(s):Folk, Irish
- label:Compass Records
- type:Band, Composer/Songwriter
- gender:male, female
- instrumentation:instrumental, vocal
- artist posted by:Magnetic Music
Line up
- Damian McKee (accordion)
- Eamon Murray (Bodhran)
- Liam Bradley (Piano)
- Niamh Dunne (Fiddle + Vocals)
- Sean Óg Graham (accordion, guitar, vocals)
Links
Beoga - new folk wizzards
(Irish word for 'lively') are a five-piece traditional band based in County Antrim, Ireland. The band was drawn together after 'jamming' in a ferocious music session at the All-Ireland Fleadh in August 2002. Their unique sound features the twin duelling accordians of Sean Og Graham and Damian McKee, along with four times All-Ireland bodhran champion Eamon Murray and pianist Liam Bradley. In 2005, Beoga were nominated by Irish Music Magazine for the best traditional newcomer's award. With the addition of one of Ireland's premier young singers, Niamh Dunne, Beoga are confirming their reputation as one of the most exciting acts to emerge from Ireland in recent years.
The band released their debut album 'a lovely madness' in September 2004, to critical and popular acclaim in Ireland, Europe and America. Describing Beoga as a 'phenomenon' and their music as 'madcap genius', Irish music magazine predicted they would make a big mark on the Irish music scene.
The bedrock of Beoga's music lies firmly within the Irish tradition, but they are not afraid to incorporate other genres' nuances into their music. From bluesy riffs to Astor Piazzola-style jazz, to a raunchy New Orleans jamboree vibe, their music always returns to a wonderfully bouncy traditional sound. With a repertoire of fresh self-penned tunes and inventive arrangements, the debut album 'a lovely madness' earned 9/10 in Ireland's Hot Press music magazine and was one of the Top Trad/Folk Albums of the year.
The group's 2007 release Mischief' has also received excellent reviews across the board, including a phenomenal 9.5/10 rating from Hot Press. The album is tipped by Irish Music Magazine and US based 'The Celtic Connection', among others, as a contender for 2007 album of the year. The Chicago American Times proclaims "super vocals, a terrific staccato beat to the rhythm, with a real sense of style and wit. This is a major major band to be reckoned with." The Irish Echo describes Beoga as "perhaps the most audacious band rooted in trad today" ranking them with Irish group Grada, as the two most promising bands launched in the new millennium.
Over the last few years Beoga have performed at major Celtic and Folk festivals throughout Europe and the USA, including the All-Ireland music Fleadh, Dranouter, Tonder, Boston, Kansas and Milwaukee Irish Festivals, the Guinness Irish Christmas tour of Austria, the Irish Folk Festival tour of Germany along with Solas and Kevin Burke, and the Irish Unplugged Tour of Holland with the Fureys and Davey Arthur. In September 2007, Beoga performed live with the BBC Orchestra to a television audience of millions as part of the prestigious 'Last night of the Proms'. Beoga's popularity continues to flourish, as they captivate audiences on a global scale with their blend of passion, energy and vitality.
reviews
'Madcap genius Beoga's music has the authority of master craftsmen; unafraid to take chances and walk on traditional music's wild side. They are injecting raw adrenaline into the tradition. In Niamh Dunne they have a formidable vocal talent. IRISH MUSIC MAGAZINE
A stunning band. Super vocals, a terrific staccato beat to the rhythm with a real sense of style and wit. This is a major, major band to be reckoned with.... Power and nuance, humor, talent aplenty. Get ready for a long run for Beoga. CHICAGO IRISH-AMERICAN NEWS
Great arrangements, rhythmic energy and gear changes in every set of tunes ... a very inventive and entertaining band. They really lifted the roof BBC RADIO FOLK CLUB
"...a heady, virtually head-spinning sonic blend stamping Beoga as perhaps the most audacious Irish band rooted in trad today. For finesse, fire, and flirtatious fun, this album is an overflowing treat, and among Irish bands launched in this new millennium, Beoga joins Grada as two of the most promising to watch." THE IRISH ECHO
Individually talented and collectively inspired, this is a quartet who speaks a language called music with a fluency beloved of the best multi-linguists. THE IRISH TIMES
'Beoga' is Irish for 'lively', and that's certainly an accurate name. With no less than two superb button accordionists on board, plus assorted backing instruments, a knack for penning nifty original tunes, and a willingness to put considerable thought into their arrangements, Beoga should go far. HOT PRESS